Portland outside swimming pools open Thursday as OHA urges adults accompany swimmers underneath 14

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Portland’s outside swimming pools are scheduled to open on June 18, however earlier than you dive in, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has a brand new momentary rule for teenagers visiting the general public swimming pools.

The new rule requires Portland public swimming pools to put up an indication stating that they advocate kids underneath 14 be accompanied by an grownup. This follows the OHA’s effort to set an age restrict courting again to April 2025.

Portland Parks and Recreation introduced that the general public outside swimming pools will open with the identical guidelines as final summer season, however the OHA is revisiting a brand new pool rule that may require adults to accompany youngsters underneath 14 years outdated.

“We’re going to be proposing a temporary rule because that’s the fastest way to make a change that will, instead of requiring facilities to post a sign and eventually enforce that requirement of 18 or over companion for young swimmers, that instead they just have to post a sign that says OHA recommends that swimmers under 14 be accompanied by an adult,” Gabriela Goldfarb, the environmental public well being part supervisor at OHA, stated.

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She says this age restrict was decided primarily based on nationwide knowledge that reveals that swimming pool drownings are the second main reason behind loss of life for teenagers between the ages of 5 and fourteen.

In a press release, Portland Parks and Recreation tells KATU:

“Swimmers ages 10 through 13 will not be required to have an accompanying adult while attending a PP&R aquatic facility. However, OHA continues to recommend that children under age 14 be accompanied by an adult, and PP&R supports that recommendation.”

Infants, toddlers, weak swimmers, and kids underneath 48 inches tall are nonetheless required to be straight supervised within the water by an individual age 16 or older who at all times stays inside arm’s attain.

PORTLAND PARKS AND RECREATION POOL RULES:

• Please comply with all posted pool guidelines and the PP&R code of conduct.
• All kids underneath the age of 10 have to be accompanied by an grownup or accountable particular person over the age of 16 within the facility always.
• Infants, toddlers, weak swimmers and kids underneath 48″ in height must always be supervised in the water by a person aged 16 years or older who remains within arm’s reach at all times.
• Life jackets are available to use while swimming.
• Safety is a team effort. Lifeguards and caregivers share the responsibility.
• Shower your child and yourself. Take a cleansing shower before entering the pool or after using the toilet.
• Protect our water. Please do not use the pool if you have had diarrhea in the past two weeks or a disease communicable by water.
• All non-toilet trained swimmers are required to wear swim diapers in the pool. Approved swim diapers include reusable diapers designed specifically for the water and have tight binding around the waist and legs. Disposable swim diapers are allowed but must be worn under a reusable plastic cover which includes binding around waist and legs. Disposable swim diapers and reusable plastic cover will be available for purchase at all pools.
• Immuno-compromised individuals should use caution when using a public pool.
• Water and alcohol do not mix. No person under the influence of alcohol may use the pool.
• No running or rough play.
• No glass or plastic that will shatter.
• No food or drinks in the pool.
• No diving is allowed except in designated diving areas.
• No animals are allowed in the pool area, except service animals.
• No front flips or back dives off the side of the pool. Always enter the pool feet first unless in specified diving areas.
• No excessive breath holding or prolonged underwater swimming.
• No undressing or changing of diapers on the pool deck.
• No tobacco, vaping, e-cigarette, or drug use.
• Swimwear should be appropriate and family-friendly.

Additional details on the Portland Parks and Recreation website linked right here.

OHA invitations these fascinated by taking part in a workgroup for the rule within the fall to e-mail pool.security@oha.oregon.gov to be thought-about.